What does “Spirit of the law” mean?
"Spirit of the law" means the intention or purpose of a law, rather than the literal interpretation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The judge considered the spirit of the law when making her decision.
Example
Although the defendant technically followed the law, he violated the spirit of the law.
Example
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were in line with the spirit of the law
Is “Spirit of the law” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Spirit of the law” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Spirit of the law” effectively in context?
You can use "Spirit of the Law" to refer to the intention or purpose of a law, rather than its literal interpretation. It emphasizes the idea that laws are created to serve a specific purpose and should be interpreted in a way that aligns with that purpose. For example, if someone technically follows the law but goes against its intended purpose, you might say, 'They may have followed the letter of the law, but they clearly violated the spirit of the law.'
- 1Legal Context
The judge considered the spirit of the law when making her decision.
- 2Ethical Dilemma
Although the defendant technically followed the law, he violated the spirit of the law.
- 3Legal Argument
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were in line with the spirit of the law.
Similar phrases to “Spirit of the law”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Spirit of the law” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Spirit of the Law" is unknown.
Is “Spirit of the law” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Spirit of the Law" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in legal and ethical discussions. It is often used to analyze and debate the true intent behind laws and regulations.
What tone does “Spirit of the law” have?
"Spirit of the Law" conveys a tone of critical analysis and evaluation. It is used to question whether someone's actions align with the underlying purpose of a law or regulation.
Can “Spirit of the law” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Spirit of the Law" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that is commonly used in legal and ethical contexts. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, or during legal discussions and debates.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company may have followed the letter of the law, but they clearly violated the spirit of the law.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They completely ignored the spirit of the law!' to express disapproval.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- purpose of the law
- meaning of the law
- objective of the law
- intent behind the law
- essence of the law
Antonyms
- letter over spirit
- strict interpretation
- literal interpretation
- exact wording
- technical compliance
